This is a common warning in certain circles that co-parenting a canine companion post-separation is a terrible idea. The consensus suggests such arrangements prevent former couples from moving forward, cause practical headaches, spark arguments, and become annoying for everyone involved. Seemingly, as a development fit for a streaming movie, it also makes our furry friends to feel down.
Not to downplay the mental health of animals – many owners speak of their deep emotional capacity. If you need masterclass in pet despair, one need only look recent cinema. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a wired-hair terrier mix played by a talented dog named Gus, would find it difficult coping with life in two homes. The idea of basing a full holiday film on this conflict holds water seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be more profound than a light film. We have here a Christmas movie from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. Its storyline unfolds as straightforward: former spouses Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), forced to acknowledge that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly realize the idea that they are better together. Ensemble players – including a group of comedic actors – serve as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look carries the feel of a streaming service original, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow piled on green trees as North Carolina doubles as a wintery Boston.
Where the Film Shines
If these familiar elements coalesce into an entertaining watch depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. On the latter point, Merv knows its audience – those people who scroll endlessly for dog videos. Audiences receive a wealth of adorable dog montages. The main attraction is the canine star, and though it results in some clunky cuts between what the dog does and human reaction, the movie succeeds in showing dog beach fun, pet moping, and, in the end, doggie joy.
Where It Wobbles
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between serious study, wacky comedy, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. The fault lies not with the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the silliness and cringe demanded of the bizarre setting. His performance contains a charming humility that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this ostensibly perfect couple. Zooey Deschanel, in her typical fashion, injects a distinctive offbeat energy that will click for some but not others. The character comes across as a little too aloof, especially when paired with Cox's vulnerable performance. (On another note, Merv himself is convincing at flopping and whining – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains a very good boy.)
Merv tries to add substance to Anna and Russ's relationship for moments when the dog is absent – which is unfortunate, considering the title character is easily the cutest element of this feel-good picture. As one might predict, it meets the bare minimum. The cause for the split could have been more adult and realistic with greater exploration and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – even if it's hardly a great one either.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform this December.
